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Yarmuth Calls on President Obama to Provide Louisville Disaster Assistance

Tuesday August 11, 2009

(Washington, DC) Following the severe rainstorms that caused flooding throughout Metro Louisville last week, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) today called on President Barack Obama to immediately issue a federal disaster declaration for the area.

Six inches of rain fell on Louisville in just 75 minutes, causing severe flash flooding that damaged homes and businesses throughout the city. Congressman Yarmuth has been coordinating with Mayor Abramson and Governor Beshear regarding the Federal Disaster Declaration. This afternoon, the Governor officially requested the disaster declaration from the White House.

Congressman Yarmuth sent the below letter to the President this afternoon:

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the Third Congressional District of Kentucky, I am writing to urgently request disaster assistance due to the heavy rain and flooding that battered Louisville on Tuesday, August 4. Governor Steve Beshear has asked the White House to issue a Federal disaster declaration for our region, and I urge you to approve this request without delay.

Metro Louisville has now endured three severe natural disasters in less than one year. The wind storm in September 2008 and the January 2009 ice storm depleted city and Commonwealth disaster recovery resources. Now, Louisville residents are facing the aftermath of yet another disastrous storm – this time one of the worst rainstorms in our city’s history. According to city officials, as much as six inches of rain fell in seventy-five minutes - the most rain in that span of time on record in Louisville.

The flooding has caused hospitals, businesses, universities, libraries, schools, and roads to close, dozens of vehicles are stranded in water, and raw sewage and debris sent into the streets has contaminated many parts of the city, which has created a health and safety hazard. Despite the strong commitment to mitigate damage by city and Commonwealth officials, the federal government’s support is critical. I, therefore, urge that you expedite disaster assistance to help our community recover.

I appreciate your immediate attention to this situation. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or for further information.